Canon Willie Walsh

CANON Willie Walsh, the most senior cleric of the Archdiocese of Tuam, was laid to rest recently in Roundfort cemetery. He died on the eve of his 97th birthday. He was described by Archbishop Michael Neary as a man who “carried the people in his heart and in his prayers”.

A native of Altore, Granlahan, Co Roscommon, he was born in 1911, the eldest of a family of eight. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1938. He celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination some days before his death in Hollymount Nursing Home, where he was joined by family relations and friends.

Renowned for his deep spirituality, he read his breviary daily up to the end. He had a tremendous devotion to the prayer life and was of enormous help to many hundreds of families during his long life in the ministry. People from all age groups warmed to him in a special way.

In his homily, Archbishop Neary said four men were ordained in Maynooth for the Archdiocese of Tuam on June 19, 1938. “Those ordained on that day were Reverend John McHugh from The Neale, Reverend Malachy Stevens from Crossboyne, Reverend Thomas Higgins from Ballyheane, and Fr Willie Walsh from Granlahan in the parish of Ballinlough.

“Canon Willie could not possibly have any idea of the changes that would take place in Irish society and in the Church during his ministry. He was noted for his deep devotion to Our Lady. His first appointment took him to St Jarlath’s College as Prefect of Studies for two years. After that, he ministered in Finney from 1940 to 1946. Wherever he ministered he carried the people in his heart and in his prayers even when he moved to another appointment.

“In 1946, he was appointed to Castlebar where he was to minister for the next twelve years. Although recognisable as a man of deep faith and prayer, Canon Willie had a great interest in tennis and, through the tennis club at the time, he had an extraordinary influence on the young people of the day.

“In 1958, he was appointed to Belcarra and immediately set about building a great community spirit in the area. That community spirit found expression in the beautiful church which he built in the village. He often joked that just when he completed that task he was appointed to Irishtown and became involved in building the church there.

“In 1977, he became Parish Priest of Roundfort. You yourselves are very much aware of the way in which he lived his priesthood, the example that he gave and his devotion to God and to yourselves. Many people both from the parish and outside of it came to him requesting prayer in the belief that they were in the presence of someone who had a very deep relationship with the Lord.

“If you happened to call in his house when he wasn’t there you knew that there was every chance that you would be able to locate him in the Church, praying the Divine Office or the Rosary.”

Speaking directly to the local parishioners, the Archbishop recalled the central role he had played in their lives over three decades. “He was with you in good times and in bad, at your weddings, baptisms and funerals. He was very devoted to visiting the sick in their home and in hospital where he brought great comfort and consolation through praying with them. He loved to visit the school where the children always enjoyed his visits and his fatherly concern for them.

“After his retirement in 1989, he became assistant priest and continued to support his successor, the late Fr Albert Lyons. In 2002, at the age of 91, Fr. Willie retired from his parish responsibilities.”

Archbishop Neary said the readings chosen for his funeral Mass were readings that captured the priesthood to which Canon Willie had given his life. “He saw himself as a representative of Jesus Christ and therefore someone who had a shepherding responsibility for all who were entrusted to his care as he endeavoured to make the healing and compassionate power of Christ a reality for the wounded and the worried.

“He certainly fought the good fight to the end and he ran the race to the finish. Not only did he keep the faith but he shared that faith with all who came into contact with him. His devotion to the Mother of God led him to minister at Our Lady’s Shrine in the confessional in Knock Sunday after Sunday during the pilgrimage season until a few months ago.

“The kindness, gentleness and care which the Parish Priest, Fr Michael Molloy showed towards Canon Willie was exemplary and was deeply appreciated by him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”

Fr John Loftus, Belmullet, a nephew of Canon Willie, was the chief celebrant at the concelebrated Mass. Interment took place in the church grounds.

He is survived by his sisters, Angela Loftus (Ballina) and Tessie (Granlahan); his brother, Christopher (London); his nephews, nieces, relatives; his devoted house-keeper Rita; the clergy of the Diocese; and the people of Roundfort and Carras; and his many friends. - MC.